Classic Shepherd’s Pie
In this version of a long-time family favourite, the ground lamb filling contains plenty of vegetables and red lentils, giving a rich flavour and texture.
| Servings | Prep Time | Cook Time |
| 4 | 15minutes | 1hour |
| Servings | Prep Time |
| 4 | 15minutes |
| Cook Time |
| 1hour |
Ingredients
- 500 g lean ground lamb
- 500 g parsnip cut into chunks
- 500 g potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
- 1-1/3 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup split red lentils
- 1/3 cup low-fat milk
- 3 tbsp parsley chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 carrots finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks thinly sliced
- 2 leeks thinly sliced
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- to taste ground black pepper
- to garnish parsley sprigs
- potato topping
- parsnip topping
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Ingredients
Portions:
Units:
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Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large heavy saucepan. Add the lamb and cook over a high heat, stirring well with a wooden spoon to break up the meat, for about 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Push the meat to one side of the pan and add the onion. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and lightly browned.
- Add the carrots, celery and leeks and stir well, then add the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, stock and lentils. Increase the heat and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Partially cover with a lid, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the meat mixture is cooking, preheat the oven to 200ºC and prepare the topping. Place the potato and parsnip chunks in a saucepan and pour over boiling water to cover by 5 cm. Bring back to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook for 15–20 minutes or until the potatoes and parsnips are very tender. Heat the milk in a small saucepan until hot.
- Drain the potatoes and parsnips well, and return them to the pan. Pour the hot milk over them. Mash them until they are completely smooth. Beat in the margarine and add pepper.
- Remove the meat mixture from the heat, add the chopped parsley and stir well. Spoon into a large ovenproof dish, about 2.5 litre capacity. Top with the mashed vegetables, spreading in an even layer. Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbling and lightly browned. Serve hot, garnished with parsley sprigs.
Recipe Notes
For a special occasion, you can replace the lamb with lean ground venison. Omit the leeks and stir 250g fresh or frozen peas into the meat mixture after it has simmered for 15 minutes. In the topping, you can replace the parsnips with celeriac.
